Sean McVay criticized for playcalling in Rams loss to Cardinals
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 19, 2026, 12:02 AM
Last updated Oct 19, 2026
Sean McVay faced significant criticism following the Los Angeles Rams' 18-16 loss to the Arizona Cardinals on October 18, 2026. McVay's decision-making, including a problematic fourth-and-1 handoff to a fourth-string tight end, drew scrutiny. The Rams struggled to counter the Cardinals' blitz-heavy strategy, failing to make necessary offensive adjustments throughout the game. Upcoming games will determine whether the Rams can rally following this defeat.
- •Rams lost 18-16 to the Cardinals as 12.5-point favorites.
- •McVay's fourth-and-1 call was criticized as poorly executed.
- •Matthew Stafford's average depth of target was just 5.3 yards.
- •Rams had no kicker, impacting late-game decisions.
- •Puka Nacua finished with 80 receiving yards.
- 12:02 AMYahoo Sports — Sean McVay's playcalling was big reason Rams lost to Cardinals
"From a handoff to a TE to questionable playcalling on third and fourth down, Sean McVay was at the center of the Rams' loss to Arizona.
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